The Great Chicagostyle HotDog and Italian Beef Crawl:Thursday April 30-Sunday May 3, 2015.

Based on the screaming success of last spring’s Cincinnati Chili Crawl (A rousing “Thank You” to CajunKing and ChiTownDiner for their tireless organizational efforts), I thought, “If we can have that much fun and attract that many Roadfooders from across the country for a bowl of chili, imagine the possibilities of a Chicagostyle Hot Dog and Italian Beef Crawl.” My original idea included just the Hot Dogs, but I know the CSD can be a polarizing sandwich among Hot Dog purists. Since most Hot Dog joints also sell Italian Beef sandwiches, it made sense to pair them up in a tour.

So that’s my mission between now and spring, 2015; to organize the event and attract as many people as possible to my fair city. I’ll need some feedback from interested parties regarding availability and proposed dates. This year’s event took place during the second weekend of April, which worked out fine for Cincinnati’s climate. 200 miles north, I’m thinking we might want to shoot for a date later in the month, or even early May.

I know I can count on some local experts to contribute ideas for the itinerary, but I’m also looking for input regarding non-eating stops ala the Sign Museum we visited in Cincy. Perhaps one of our lesser known or quirkier museums, maybe a botanical garden; basically anything short of a gym where we can work off a few calories in between stops.

Let me stress, this is not a Contingent event, although Contingent members are welcome and encouraged to join in. This is a wide ranging tour, meant to bring together old friends and entice new ones to make the journey to Chicago.

As the date draws closer we’ll discuss the itinerary, not just for the crawl, but I’m sure for the days surrounding it (calling CTD; prepare The Spreadsheet). We’ll also get into best options for lodging and transportation.

For now, I’m most interested in seeing how big a crowd this will attract and which date is best suited to the most people.See you in Chicago next spring!

I can get cheep fares on Allegiant from Mesa-Gateway into Rockford so it's doable.As an aside, any of you considering coming to Phoenix anytime for any reason and have access to Allegiant Air service, check it out.They fly into Mesa-Gateway in the East Valley.Great for Spring Training Trips youze Cubby Fans.Mesa-Gateway is the old Williams Field AFB.It's the Cheepest!

No promises of course, but there might actually be an opportunity for a private party at Burt's, if we do it early, before regular business hours. It wouldn't be part of the Saturday Crawl, but perhaps as an extra-curricular activity on Friday, or Sunday for those folks who stick around for the whole weekend.

We'd be looking for a minimum of 25 people to be involved. Based on the turnout for the Cincinnati trip, that shouldn't be a problem.

Keep in mind though, once you've had the Pizza at Burt's, you'll be done eating for several hours. Even though his crust is much lighter and airier than the typical Chicago Pan Pizza, it's still a commitment.

Buddy

P.S. IIRC, wanderingjew initially claimed he wasn't available for the Cincinnati trip either. After much cajoling he miraculously found a way to join us and had a great time. So, whaddaya say Dale; do we need to shame you into this one as well, or will you save us all a lot of time and embarrassment and just give in now?

Keep in mind though, once you've had the Pizza at Burt's, you'll be done eating for several hours. Even though his crust is much lighter and airier than the typical Chicago Pan Pizza, it's still a commitment.

Buddy

Speak for yourself on this one oh saucemiester! Poochies pairs delightfully with Burt's! Just ask Mona's Ex!

After May 3rd, graduations kick in along with Mother's Day and First Communions etc.

As it's warmer in May, I propose May 1-3, Friday - Sunday, with the tour date officially on Saturday, May 2nd. A quick look at the Farmer's Almanac shows clear, 72 degrees, light winds from the south and low humidity with a dew point of 52.

With this kind of notice, everyone (except WJ apparently) can accommodate by simply insisting all brides elope early, season ticket holders to inferior baseball teams donate the tickets to charity, honey do lists are postponed another decade and ALL Chicago pie shops are put on notice that buffetbuster may grace the Windy City!

One of my ideas for next year's vacation with Cousin Johnny is to do the entire drive around Lake Michigan. We could schedule it so that this event would be at the beginning or ending weekend of our journey.